Aid and relief work continues two weeks after the fireworks warehouse explosion at Muno market community in Sungai-Kolok district of Narathiwat. The total amount of monetary donations for victims of the disaster has now exceeded 30 million baht, prompting the provincial administration to set up a committee to plan for the money’s use.
Narathiwat provincial governor Sanan Phongaksorn joined a meeting of the committee set up to manage the money donated to victims of the explosion and fire in Muno. The committee has approved using money in the “Money for Assistance of Muno Disaster Victims” account for 4 undertakings. The first expense item, considered at the heart of the donation account, was the urgent repair of homes belonging to those impacted by the disaster. The amount approved was 20 million baht.
The second item was 4.7 million baht which has now been paid out to the impacted families. Households with 1-3 members each received 5,000 baht, those with 4-6 members each received 8,000 baht, and households with 7 or more members each received 10,000 baht.
The third item was about 1.5 million baht earmarked for purchasing construction materials. The fourth item was 7,500 baht which was to be used to pay for the transportation of the body of one deceased person to Lopburi.
In all, 25.7 million baht was approved for use. Any disbursing of money from the donation account must fall in line with the criterion set by the vetting committee and require a signature of approval from the Narathiwat governor.
The 20 million baht of money for home repairs will be combined with 14 million baht which was earlier approved for the repairs by state funds. The Community Organizations Development Institute (CODI), meanwhile, will be providing 3,000 baht per month of money to aid each impacted household that needs to pay rent. However, the provincial administration is seeking additional assistance from the Office of the Prime Minister after deeming that this amount was insufficient for rent.
As of the evening of August 10, the total amount donated to the “Money for Assistance of Muno Disaster Victims” account had reached 30.666 million baht. Those who would like to make a donation may deposit the money into the Krung Thai Bank account number 905-3-66122-0. The account is handled by Krung Thai Bank Narathiwat branch and is the sole official donation account set up by authorities. (NNT)
